Families Hereford and Worcs issue 16

The really useful magazine for parents of children 0-12 years

Picture courtesy of Ocean Eyes Images www.oceaneyes.co.uk

Issue No 16 July/August 2012

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Picture courtesy of jessography.co.uk

Editor’s Letter

News & Views

In this issue 02 02 05 06 10 12 17

Editor’s Letter News & Views Ed’s Reading Room Education Take the Family Challenge Summer Holiday Clubs and Workshops What’s On

Next issue: Sept/Oct 2012, Editorial and booking deadline: Friday 10th August 2012

Welcome to our bumper Summer edition with loads of ideas on places to go and things to do in the Summer Holidays. Check out our Summer Workshops and Holiday Clubs listing on pages 12-16 or try something a bit different in our Take the Family Challenge article on pages 10-11. Pleasee mention Families Hereford and Worcester when you contact venues.

For your chance to win one of five fantastic family games bundles from Mattell visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/survey2012 to complete our Families survey and be in with a chance of winning.

If you would like to advertise your business in the Sep/Oct issue of Families Hereford and Worcester and reach 42,000 parents then call me on 01386 791422 or email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk. Copy deadline is Friday 10th August.

Have a fantastic summer holiday.

Karen Craven (local Mum of 3, Step Mum to 2 plus Adoptive Mum to Salsa our retriever)

Editor, Families Hereford and Worcester

Contact details: Tel: 01386 791422 Mob: 07981 564053 email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Like us on Facebook FamiliesHandW

Traditional Old Fashioned Sweet Shop Sweets • Gifts • Pocket Money Toys & more Party Bags to order – choose from a large range of sweets & pocket money toys.

10+ party bags = free party bag for birthday child

27 Broad Street, Pershore 01386 553262

Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesHW

All content Copyright 2012 Families Hereford and Worcester Circulation: 21,000 copies of Families Hereford and Worcester are available through nurseries, pre-schools, schools, libraries, soft play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the county. If you would like free copies for your organisation or if you would like to subscribe so you don’t miss an issue please contact us.

Families Hereford and Worcester is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed

by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the content nor for any consequence.

Design: Natalie Schmidt at www.matobodesign.com, Tel: 020 8676 2857 Print: The Manson Group, St Albans at www.manson-grp.co.uk, Tel: 01727 848440 Cover Photograph: Ocean Eyes Images at www.oceaneyes.co.uk, Tel: 01527 962022

READER SURVEY YOUR CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF FIVE FANTASTIC FAMILY GAMES BUNDLES FROM MATTEL Many readers have told us Families is the only local publication they read – thank you! However we don’t want to rest on our laurels. We want to know what you think, what you like and what you’d like more – or less – of.

Please visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/survey2012 by 31st August to complete the survey and be in with a chance of winning one of five fantastic prizes.

WIN! Jackie 07817 452578 jackie@beautifulnutrition.co.uk

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July – August 2012

July – August 2012

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News & Views Advertise in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine!

Please call Karen on 01386 791422 for more information.

Claire Pemberton James is the owner of Sweet Traditions in Pershore. After twenty + years in Social Care she decided on a complete career change and hasn’t looked back.

Sweet Traditions has grown from a small market stall selling solely sweets to a High Street premises selling sweets, affordable gifts for all the family, pocket money toys, personalised chocolates and party bags.

Party Bags are a growing trend and Claire stocks a large range of pocket money toys and sweets. She can cater for all occasions and budgets if you let her know how many you require. She can do the rest – at no extra cost. There is also a new Loyalty Scheme, where for every ten purchases, customers will receive 100g of sweets – absolutely free!

Sweet Traditions is situated at 27 Broad Street, Pershore. Tel: 01386 553262

Gillian Sparrow Tel: 07446 511 956 FB: Babycalm Worcestershire Email: gillian@babycalm.co.uk www.babycalm.co.uk/teacher/gillian-sparrow

Wanted!

Designer Mother of the Bride outfits Did your mum spend a fortune on a fabulous designer outfit for your wedding and only wore it once for your special day? We can help!! We are looking for nearly new Designer Mother of the Bride outfits, hats, fascinators and accessories to sell in our Worcester shop and online.

Tell your mum to contact us on 01905 887668 or info@weddingpearls.net. www.mumofthebride.co.uk

Munchkins Angela Casey is a local mum of 2 sons and grandma to 3 boys who, after seeing a gap in the market and carrying out extensive research, recently opened Munchkins at 3 Fir Tree Walk, Worcester Road, Malvern Link, WR14 1SS. Munchkins stock quality new and used children’s wear for 0-5 years and nursery equipment, toys and gifts. All items are reasonably priced so why not go along and take a look?!

Opening hours are Tues to Fri 9.30 - 4.30 and Sat 9.30 - 1.30 Closed Sunday & Monday.

Tel: 07807 518966

UK visits by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh The Queen will be visiting the West Midlands on the 11th and 12th July including both Hereford and Worcester as part of The Queen’s United Kingdom Diamond Jubilee Tour.

These visits will give Her Majesty the opportunity to express her thanks to people throughout the country for their continued support and loyalty.

For more information please visit www.thediamondjubilee.org/uk-and-overseas-visits.

If a rewarding position with true security that provides you with the work/life balance, flexibility and control over your own destiny sounds appealing – contact Tina Gillies today.

You can work part time, around your existing work or family commitments and there is no financial investment.

Find out how Tinaʼs children can always be her priority – working part-time hours to suit her family commitments – you too could change your life.

Contact Tina for a FREE information pack on 01905 617821 or email: tinagillies@opulenuk.net

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Boxing Clever/Crafty Preparations Get one step ahead this Summer Holiday. The Little Letter Company is now taking orders for their annual Summer Holiday craft boxes. Delivered to your door for £20, each craft box contains ten crafts kits to while away quieter hours or rainy days.

Each kit contains everything you need to complete the craft.

Summer boxes can be pre-ordered until July 14th, and will be dispatched during the first week of the Summer Holidays. www.littlelettercompany.co.uk Don’t forget to mention when you telephone that you saw these companies featured in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine

July – August 2012

Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere!

I’m Ed and here is my Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com.

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories. There are also lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum. Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS FO

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Pad Paddington Races Ahead

by Michael Bond

D Dinosaur Olympics by JJeanne Willis

(HarperCollins £10.99) (Ha

((Piccadilly Press £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Paddington Bear finds him himself in the midst of all sorts of misunderstandings as he tries to see mi the th importance of oysters when travelling on a London bus and tr attempts to take up an offer with a at personal trainer. And Paddington is to p star st in a film – as a famous Peruvian athlete.

Thank goodness for the a certainty of Mrs Bird and her homec made marmalade and elevenses each day with Mr M Gruber!

E ED SAYS: ‘The stegosauruses are tthrowing a party for Uncle Loops’ 190th birthday – a great excuse for a ccelebration but also an opportunity ffor the Downtown Dinosaurs to ggatecrash their fun. It seems as if the pproceedings will descend into a dinosaur battle but perhaps the d dino-mayor can establish peace with d tthe idea of the Dinosaur Olympics.

Much hilarity ensues while the M dinosaurs attempt to get into sshape for the games.

‘This is a brand new book about an old favourite character by the wonderful Michael Bond. Paddington continues to delight children and grown-ups alike with his madcap adventures.’

‘This very funny story is the latest action-packed adventure from this fantastic author. It is complemented by wonderful illustrations throughout.’

Guinea Pigs Online

by Jennifer Gray and Amanda Swift

Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough

(Quercus Books £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Fuzzy and Coco are two very different characters.

Fuzzy adores cooking and computers whereas Coco loves being pampered and living a life of luxury. Fuzzy sees an ad by a glamorous chef – Guinea Pigs Wanted – and is keen to follow it up but Coco realises things aren’t always seem. When ways what they seem Fuzzy goes missing, Coco has to go online and find Fuzzy. Can Fuzzy be tracked down before he ends up on Scarlet Cleaver’s menu?

‘Here is a laugh-out-loud adventure about these fantastic crazy characters. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this exciting book with its super illustrations.’

(Random House Children’s Books £6.99) 9) ED SAYS: ‘Beware of Long Lankin…

Cora and her younger sister Mimi are sent to stay with their Aunt Ida who offers them a rather cold welcome.

Their arrival has awoken an evil that has lurked around for years. Cora and Mimi find friendship from people in the village but they would dearly love to go back to London to their former life. They hear eerie voices and see mysterious warnings – but can Cora protect her sister from such an ancient evil?

‘Inspired by a haunting ballad, this book is descriptive and atmospheric, chilling and thought-provoking. It is brilliantly liantly written and grips the reader from beginning to end.’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at mgh@edontheweb.com about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.

July – August 2012

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Education Emma Aspinall, director of care at Acorns, said: “GiveaGift enables a child to express their appreciation in a thoughtful, meaningful and lasting way. A child can write a personalised message, thank their class tutor or express what they enjoyed most.”

A very special “thank you teacher!”

Acorns Children’s Hospice is offering parents and children the chance to show teachers they care with a special gift at the end of this school year.

The charity’s online GiveaGift range creates a different way to say thank you with a donation. Once an order is placed you receive a gift token with information about what the contribution provides which you personalise and give to the teacher.

Starting this September Fladbury CE First School Fladbury, Pershore PRE-SCHOOL 3 years + ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Learning through play Led by a Qualified Teacher Supported by a Nursery Nurse Funded places Monday to Friday 9am – 3.25pm Wrap-around care also available

Call us on 01386 860301 or email: head@fladbury.worcs.sch.uk www.fladbury.worcs.sch.uk

The ‘storytime’ and ‘anytime’ gifts make great gifts as they are inexpensive and start at £3. ‘Anytime’ gifts help to ensure Acorns is there for children and families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; providing children with vital care services and supporting families through extremely difficult times.

For more information or to purchase a gift visit: www.acorns.org.uk/giveagift

A culture lesson at your breakfast table Given the continuing huge demand for places at UK boarding schools from overseas, Bright World Guardianships, a Sussex based company, is predicting yet another increase in the number of students who will be joining schools in the UK in September this year.

Bright World Guardianships is a long established Guardianship company charged with offering care to international students in UK boarding schools whose parents are not living here. These bright and brave young students are full boarders at schools but need host family accommodation when schools close for short breaks such as Half terms and exeat weekends. With so many excellent independent schools in the Hereford and Worcester area, it is likely that an increase in demand will be evident here.

Hosting international students is a very fulfilling and rewarding role. Bright World do, of course, pay a generous nightly rate to cover expenses for visiting children which can offer a valuable extra income to families. More than this though, hosting a young international student can make their entire experience in the UK a happy one. If you welcome them into your home they will actually look forward to exeats and half terms and it will enhance their overall experience and impression of the UK. Your children will also benefit from the exposure to sharing their home with an international student and will learn about new cultures and countries – think of it as a geography lesson at your breakfast table.

So becoming a Bright World host family can not only help pay for that annual holiday but will help to educate your own children to new cultures and at the same time make a young international student’s life so much better.

For more information on becoming a host family for Bright World Guardianships, please contact: Lana Foster, Managing Director on lana@brightworld.co.uk www.brightworld.co.uk

Personal Tutors in the Malvern Area Key Stage 1, 2, 3, GCSE, A level, Common Entrance, Scholarship, IB. Most subjects covered, including English, Maths, Sciences, Languages, Music, IT. For information & enquiries call or email kate@helptuition.co.uk/ 01684 562439/ www.helptuition.co.uk 6

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Easy2Name Off to School set We have 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away, each set is worth £18.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.

To enter the draw simply email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk by latest Friday 10th August.

Please state clearly the name of your child and whether you require the shoe bag and labels in red, pink or blue.

The full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.com

WIN!

July – August 2012

Education Painting with Plants Broadwas CE Primary School Gardening Club was delighted to be one of three winners of a prize of £1000 in the ‘Painting with Plants’ competition at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show in May. The competition was set up by broadcaster Chris Beardshaw who attended Broadwas Primary School as a child. The children selected John Singer Sargent’s ‘Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose’ as a theme which they had already learned about and worked on recreating it as a garden.

They were fortunate to be able to work with their sponsor, Steve Boffy, on creating the lanterns for the picture. They learned how to build willow frames and covered them with plastic and tissue. Meanwhile dresses were being made according to the design in the painting for the children to wear on the day.

Check our website regularly as we are constantly updating it with lots of local news and information so please visit www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk and register.

New opening days and times – Tuesday – Friday 9am – 3pm

During the show, children took it in turns to feature in the picture. They enjoyed talking to visitors and had the opportunity to look at some of the other exhibits. The prize money will be spent on developing an under-used part of the school grounds by creating a ‘Jubilee Garden’ www.broadwas.worcs.sch.uk

Places available for 2 year olds – Funded places available for 3+

Available Now

New Foundation Stage Class at Fladbury First School From September, parents will be able to send their 3 year old children to Fladbury First School, to join the brand new foundation stage class. The class will be taught by a qualified teacher and supported by a Nursery Nurse. Mrs Tessa Richardson, Head Teacher, says “We think it’s a brilliant idea and we can’t wait to support parents and their young children. Parents can use their funded hours of 15 hours per week and ‘top up’ at additional cost if they need longer hours”.

Fladbury is a lovely rural school situated in the centre of the village, close to Pershore town. Children are taught in small class groups with high expectations of both academic work and behaviour. The school promotes a caring atmosphere with relationships based on mutual respect and concern. The individual needs of pupils are given high priority in all aspects of school life.

For more information telephone the School Office on 01386 860301. www.fladbury.worcs.sch.uk

Ofsted report 2009 “OUTSTANDING” Call: 07933 779918 email: thelenchespreschool@gmail.com Visit: www.lenchespreschool.org.uk Church Lench Village Hall, 10 mins from Evesham town centre

Sytchampton appoints new Head to continue its ‘outstanding’ work Sytchampton Endowed First School (part of the Droitwich Pyramid of schools) recently announced the appointment of a new Head Teacher, Mrs Helen Mann, from the start of the Summer term.

Chair of Governors, Dr Stephanie Gait said: “We are delighted to appoint Mrs Helen Mann. Many people will know locally that Sytchampton has had an enviable reputation.

Mrs Mann has been able to show us a vision for the future that will enable us to continue to carry on the wonderful work carried out here in recent years.”

Mrs Mann added: “It has been a great pleasure to meet pupils and staff and I am really looking forward to working with everyone to build on the achievements of Sytchampton and its Outstanding Ofsted assessment.”

Parent and Toddler session on Thursday’s 9.30am - 11.30am during term time

Home-Start Worcester & Wychavon Goodrich House Sansome Place Worcester, WR1 1UA

Volunteering for Home-Start YOU can make a difference to a family in your community.

All parents know that those early years before children go off to school are vital in a child’s life and at Home-Start we believe parents have the key role in creating a secure childhood for their children. It’s just that sometimes they need a bit of help…

Your help.

Call 01905 29377 or email home-startworcs@btconnect.com

There are still places available at Sytchampton Endowed First School for September 2012.

Enquiries may be made to the School Office on 01905 620418 or email us at office@sytchamptonfirst.worcs.sch.uk.

Tonia Peters

BSc (Hons), PGCE, MEd (Ed Psych)

Educational Psychologist (Chartered by the BPS)

Independent assessment and advice for all special needs including dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention problems

Tel: 07853 248311

Grafton Psychology Associates Ltd Trading as Tonia Peters Company Registration Number: 7853233 Registered in England and Wales

July – August 2012

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education Keeping Momentum through the Summer This has been one of the busiest times of year for GCSE and A level tutors, but from July onwards things become a little less frantic and it is a good time to begin groundwork for the next academic year and talk to a tutor about working through the summer or booking time for the autumn term.

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For entrance exam students it is a good time to start gentle preparation over the summer for the autumn exams – this saves a mad rush to find a tutor and ineffective, last minute practice.

•

For those moving from primary to secondary school, it can be helpful to keep up some English and Maths work so you start the new term with confidence and all your skills fresh in your mind.

•

If you are a year 10 student who has already had a taste of controlled assessments and coursework, now is the time to get a bit of work in on honing your skills and getting to grips with exam technique before the real pressure of year 11 kicks in.

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Year 12s... If you have found some of the AS level work tricky – why not get some help over the summer and autumn to boost your confidence and skills before the A2 year begins?

New tutor applications are always welcome as Help Tuition are expanding from Malvern into the rest of Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

The list of subjects now includes – English, Maths, French, German, Spanish, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, Art, Music – theory and various instrumental.

If you require any other subject please do ask.

For more information or a chat about how your child or teenager can achieve the very best they can with confidence, telephone 01684 562439 or email kate@helptuition.co.uk. www.helptuition.co.uk With 15 years’ experience under our belt we know just what it takes to run a FUN, ACTION-PACKED and STIMULATING activity camp, welcoming children aged 4-14. We are OFSTED registered and all our staff are CRB cleared.

Our programme brings together a balanced mix of Sports and Arts and Crafts, from Clay Modelling and Art Explosion to Grand Prix Karts and Archery, to ensure children are kept active, safe and happy. Whatever their age and interests, we’ve got something for everyone!

Book individual days or full weeks, take advantage of the FREE extended hours (8am-6pm) and pay with Childcare vouchers. Take advantage of our Flexi-change option where, with 7 days’ notice and provided you stay within the same season, we give you the opportunity to change the dates you have booked.

For more information or to book one of our camps go to our website www.supercamps.co.uk or call Customer Services on 01235 832222.

Nursery pupil Rose makes her own happiness chart

A three year old kindergarten pupil from Holy Trinity International School’s nursery was so taken by her class activity that she decided to record pupil happiness results by making her own clipboard chart.

Pupil Rose Leek went around fellow classmates asking if they felt happy, sad or angry, before then collating the results on to her handmade clipboard chart, with the children’s resounding result being ‘happy’!

Nursery Assistant, Miss Joanne Potter, stated: “As part of our Early Years personal, social and emotional development activities we’d given the children a chart, asking them to mark how they and their friends felt that day, with all the results added to a final tally chart to show the pupils’ overall happiness levels.

“Rose, using her initiative, created a personal class activity chart and proceeded to ask the other nursery children and staff, as well as a visiting parent, how they felt, before finally marking correctly her results on her clipboard.

It was wonderful to see her personal confidence, and the concentration and focus she displayed as she completed her survey.”

Around 30 children in all took part in the group activity, ranging in age from 3 to 4 years of age. www.holytrinity.co.uk

‘Teach your Monster to Read: First Steps’ www.teachyourmonstertoread.com is a completely free online game to help children learn to read.

Developed by the Usborne Foundation, a charitable fund set up by Peterr Usborne of Usborne Publishing (Children’s Book ok Publisher of the Year 2012 at The Bookseller Awards), it has a wealth of gaming and academic expertise behind it, including educational advisors from the University of Roehampton. Peter hopes that the game will support the new drive in schools to re-introduce phonics as the fundamental building block in learning to read.

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July – August 2012

Slip on shoes for boys and girls are notoriously difficult to fit and are not the best option for school shoes. A child will use their toes in a claw like manner to keep the shoe on.

Laces versus Velcro versus Buckles

Education

suitable length and depth to allow movement of the toes.

When fitted a shoe fitter will look to provide approximately 15mm growing room from the length of the longest toe to the tip of the shoe. If a shoe is too long a child will trip.

Over the past 10 years Velcro has started to dominate the children’s shoe market. Without doubt its ease of fastening has many advantages over the traditional buckle or lace up shoe.

Whilst personal preference must be considered, many shoe manufacturers do not make buckle fastening shoes and those that do have limited styles on offer. A lace up shoe whilst practical and usually a good option for achieving a suitable fit is not always appropriate for a child who is unable to fasten laces.

How Long Should a School Shoe Last?

A Guide to Buying School Shoes Don’t leave it until last minute to buy school shoes, this period is the busiest time for Children’s Shoe shops.

Choose a week day preferably, if you can and be prepared to experience a wait. A good shoe shop should have seating for those busy periods

Cost Children spend the majority of the day at school and in school shoes and whilst it may seem expensive investing in a fitted pair of school shoes it is so important for your child’s foot health. Our feet are one of the hardest working parts of our body and we only have 1 pair!!! They are at their most vulnerable from birth until teenage years and several studies suggest that between 50 and 70% of foot problems in later life have been caused by poorly fitting shoes in childhood.

Second-hand Shoes Are not a good idea, they retain bacteria and have already taken on the shape of their previous wearer. This can result in rubbing and blistering. The shoe will not support the foot in the way that a newly fitted shoe should and may even impede the normal walking pattern of the new owner.

Choosing the Right School Shoe Leather shoes are the product of choice as leather allows the foot to breathe naturally. Did you know a normal pair of feet, produce about a tablespoon of sweat each day? A leather shoe will allow evaporation of some of that perspiration. Man-made plastic materials may be a cheaper option but they don’t mould to the foot in the same way that a leather product will and rather like a rubber glove they increase perspiration, which can result in fungal infections and blistering.

An ideal school shoe should fit snugly around the heel and should be held securely to the foot by a strap or laces. There should be Beverly Clough is a qualified shoe fitter and has trained with the Society of Shoe Fitters. She is only one of a handful of shoe fitters working in Children’s Footwear in Gloucestershire.

July – August 2012

We all wear shoes very differently. If your child is particularly hard on shoes, choose a shoe that has a scuff resistant toe. No one style of shoe has been constructed to meet all of your child’s needs.

School shoes no matter how well constructed were never designed to be the brake for the bike or scooter or the budding footballers football boots. Shoes will wear according to what children put them through. Whilst we all would like to see a pair of school shoes last a year in reality this is not the case, even if the shoe remains in good condition it is highly unlikely that a child’s foot will stay the same size and depth for a whole year!!!

Blistering or Rubbing Back to school means going back to wearing properly constructed footwear. If your child has been in flip flops, crocs, sandals or trainers over the Summer Holidays their feet will have become a little flaccid. Going back to constructed footwear may feel a little strange for them and often children will not initially like the sensation of the more structured shoe. It is a good idea for them to wear the new shoes with socks on for short bursts of time at home before they return to school. Even with a good fitting shoe rubbing can occur, particularly around the heel. If the shoes continue to rub however and are uncomfortable, return them with your receipt to the shop you purchased them from.

Foot Growth Rate Babies feet grow at the fastest rate. The Society of Shoe fitters suggest that an infant’s foot can grow at a rate of about 2 ½ sizes a year. As the child grows older this can change to approximately 2 sizes and by the time a child is 5 the average growth rate is approximately ½ -1 size per year. This is however very much a guide. Children’s growth rates are sporadic and a child whose feet have not grown in some time can have a real growth spurt.

The good news is that in general by the age of 10 the rate of foot growth decreases further to an average of less than 1 size per year.

A shoe fitter is always happy to check the fit of your child’s shoe.

It does not necessarily mean that they will need a new pair and a qualified shoe fitter will not sell a pair of shoes unless needed.

As a guide Children’s shoes should be checked for size every: 4-6 weeks 0-3 years 6-8 weeks 3-4 years 10-12 weeks 5 years and older (Society of Shoe Fitters) She owns and runs Sheep Street, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire GL54 1AA

Tel 01451 798171 www.groovy2shoes.co.uk

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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e g n e l l a h c y l i m fa

Summer Activities

1.

is going to be all about active fun (it is the Olympics, after all) and getting out and about in the UK (which is, for all of us cash-strapped families, a lot cheaper than going abroad). So what are the best activities to enjoy en famille?

Joanna Moorhead investigates

© Urban Ascent

Climb the rocks Clim Roc Rock-climbing is apparently one of the fastest-growing sports in Britain, and giving it a try makes for a great family day out. Like Br all the best family challenges it’s about supporting one another, al learning new skills, encouraging people when they need it, and le ccelebrating new-found abilities and courage! Family climbing courses abound and most are for complete beginners and take co children from about eight (although some specialise in working ch with younger children). Look for a course where you have a dedicated instructor: you’ll learn (amongst other things) how to dedic belay (ie hold the ropes safely) and how to make the most of the rock’s k’ features for your hands and feet. If you’re looking for a family challenge in a rainy period, contact one of the local places listed below and see if you can hire an instructor for a family session.

2.

Swing S wing through the forest

A tree-top adventure makes for an adrenalin-charged day out with the children – and while you’re up there, you get some brilliant views as well! Personally, I’ve never been so happy to be back on solid ground as when I got down from the terrifying heights of the forest course I tried out with my kids...but on the upside, at least I did make it down, and relying on them to help me through the most white-knuckle parts of the course went a long way in terms of family bonding!

Until recently Go Ape! has been restricted to over-10s, but there’s now a new course at two of the company’s 27 centres nationwide – Thetford near Brandon, and Moors Valley Country Park near Bournemouth. It’s designed for children as young as four, although they also need to be at least a metre tall, and it’s an hour-long course which, like the over-10s Go Ape! courses, takes children (and their parents) through a network of looping obstacles five metres above the forest floor, including the spider’s web, log balance and jungle crossing, before finishing on a tree-to-tree zipwire.

Prices: Go Ape! costs £30 for adults, £20 for 10-17 year olds.

The new junior course costs £15 for any age.

For more information see www.goape.co.uk Don’t forget to mention when you telephone that you saw these companies featured in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine

www.info@vlimit.co.uk, www.wychavonleisure.co.uk, www.blackwelladventure.co.uk

www.steamrailwaylines.co.uk

© Go Ape!

e h t e Tak

Summer 2012

3.

Ride the tracks R

F a family with people For who can’t get around very w eeasily – elderly ggrandparents, for example, or other people with o sspecial needs – you can’t railway. Most of th these railways, preserved beat a trip on a steam railway from Victorian times, are in areas of breathtaking natural beauty – the glorious Sussex countryside whisks by if you take the Bluebell Railway, for example, or if you’re in Yorkshire try the Embsay, which still runs from its original 1888 station near Skipton in Yorkshire through some of the most glorious Dales countryside. Alternatively, if you are holidaying at home this summer then we have several steam railways right on our doorstep.

For more information on the lines mentioned here see www.bluebell-railway.co.uk and www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk or see www.steamrailwaylines.co.uk for the lines across the UK. For local stations visit www.svr.co.uk, www.perrygrove.co.uk, www.deanforestrailway.co.uk and www.gwsr.com. om.

Take an underground walk There’s something strangely thrilling about taking a walk through a cave, into the very inside of the earth – the atmosphere is quite different from anywhere else you’ll ever go,and the memories of what you see and experience stay with you for a long time. And, of course, every child needs to o understand the difference between those stalactites and stalagmites.

Some of the best caves in the country are at Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, the White Scar Cave at Ingleton in Yorkshire, where you can take an 80-minute tour through some of the country’s most awesome subterranean rock formations, and Wookey Hole near Wells in Somerset, home (apparently) to the Witch of Wookey.

Not suitable, though, for a buggy or a wheelchair.

4.

Tickets from around £15 for adults, £10 for children, depending on how extensive the caves are and how much else there is to do at the attraction.

For more information on the caves mentioned here see www.whitescarcave.co.uk; www.cheddargorge.co.uk; www.wookey.co.uk

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

July – August 2012

Summer Activities

© kitevibe

Fly a kite

Every family has a kite or three, usually given as birthday or Christmas presents and with fiendishly difficult-looking instructions. We sometimes thought about taking our children to fly them, but something always held us back – usually doubts about how to do it, and whether the area we were planning to kite-fly in n was actually big enough. But a lesson from Kevin n Baker of Southern Breeze, a kite-flying operation on based at Baiter Park on Poole harbour, set us straight: Kevin showed us how to make sure we were in a suitable kite-flying area (you need to use your thumb to check the height of the surrounding obstacles, to make sure they’re far enough away), and you need to give the kite a forceful yankk to get it into the sky. More adventurous families can progress to kitebuggying and kite-boarding, in which you use the power of an airborne kite to propel yourself along on a vehicle on the ground.

5.

Kite-flying tuition costs around £50 for a half-day’s family tuition.

For more information on Kevin Baker see www.sbkites.co.uk.

6.

Go mountainbiking G

L a lot of city families we have a Like hhouseful of bikes, but we tend not to do anything more adventurous than go d tto friends’ houses or the local shops on them. Mountain biking is a whole o different experience from a short trip d down the road: we went to try it on d tthe South Downs, where the gentle ((and not-so-gentle) inclines make for greatt off-road You don’t, of course, have to ff d cycling li adventures. d use an instructor to get to grips with mountain biking: but if you’re taking kids with you, and you want to get a real thrill out of your day (plus you won’t need to get the bikes there, because the instructor will provide them) then I recommend a course. Our teacher, Richard, gave us lots of confidence to try out manoeuvres we’d never otherwise have tried (cycling over logs, for example – and yes, it’s a lot scarier than it looks when you’re in the saddle!). He also revealed the number one rule of mountain biking, which is never look down. You have to look straight ahead, focusing on the furthest point of the trail, because if you look down you’ll change your centre of gravity and fall off. We loved our day learning to mountain bike: the children (who need to be over about seven) were a lot better than the parents, but even the parents managed things they’d never have believed they could do!

Expect to pay around £40 per person for mountain biking tuition, including bike hire.

For m more information on the Surrey Hills tours tou see www.allbikedup.com; for details of courses near you see www.abc-of-mountainbiking.com. w

7.

Try potholing T

Pot Potholing has a scary reputation, and it’s not for the fainthearted (or those with claustrophobia) fa but if you’re you a brave clan and up for an adventure, it can be an extraordinary experience to journey into the underworld dressed in what resembles miner’s gear, and to edge your way through spaces you didn’t believe you’d ever fit through.

Coming across underground chambers is magical – as is seeing the daylight come back into view when you finally make your way out!

Potholing with an instructor costs around £40 per person for a session.

For information on where to find an instructor, see www.caving.uk.com.

July – August 2012

FFind a geocache Geocaching is one of those things that sounds totally G pe erplex to anyone who’s never tried it, but is a perplexing huge hit with almost everyone who has. The idea is tto find some ‘treasure’ – treasure that’s hidden in a box, and is findable using a hand-held satnav system (any will do). The treasure in question sy usually consists of a plastic box like a lunchbox u with a whole host of miscellaneous bits and w pieces in it – things like small toys, CDs, pens, pie anything. The rule is that anyt hat when yyou find your treasure you’re allowed to take one thing out, and you must put one thing in – and sign the log book of course. The treasure is hidden everywhere and anywhere – in cities, in the countryside, even underwater.

8.

For more information see www.geocaching.com.

9.

Go canoeing

Canoeing centres up and down the country offer equipment hire and instruction for families who want to dip their toes in the water.

Your instructor will help you learn how to paddle, how to turn and how to negotiate rapids – and he or she will also ensure that you’re canoeing in a suitable place, and in suitable weather, for the age of your children (which is crucial, because accidents can happen quickly in canoes). What’s especially lovely about canoeing is that, as well as the skills to learn, you can also have a day out that’s close to wildlife – look out for fish, water birds and dragonflies. If you’re lucky you might even spot an otter or a water vole.

Hiring a canoe and instructor costs around £150 for half a day.

For more information see www.canoe-england.org.uk/ go-canoeing/ or for local companies www.wyevalleycanoes.co.uk , www.canoehire.co.uk www.thecanoehire. e. co.uk and www.canoehire.com.

Get into metal detection

10.

There’s something almost absurdly exciting about setting off with a metal detector and seeing what you’re going to turn up – even though it will, in all probability, be complete rubbish. Because there’s always that chance of finding treasure – or even, and this is almost as good, remnants of the way other people lived, in another age. To use a metal detector effectively, you need to use a sweeping motion – and it’s best to go somewhere with plenty of space, perhaps where other interesting finds have been made. Children are just thrilled with the idea of a machine that goes bleep the whole time, and which might lead to some discovery. Another big plus is that this is an adventure anyone can enjoy – great for families with small kids in buggies or anyone in a wheelchair (though you need to chose your terrain wisely).

For more information see www.ncmd.co.uk/. www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Summer Clubs

Summer camps explained…

So you are thinking a camp might be a great way to keep the kids busy over the long summer break... but what are the differences and how do you know which one to choose?

Let us break it down for you...

Residential or Day Camp?

Residential Camps are holidays where your child can stay during the holiday course, often further away from your home and sometimes including activities not available locally.

Day Camps are holidays at a local venue where you can take your child on a daily basis. Times may vary but they are usually around 8.30am – 4pm with additional costs for early starts and later finishes.

What type of Camp would suit your child?

Multi activity holidays offer a selection of different activities every day, usually including a range of sports, creative or adventure activities – ideal for the child who does not want to attend a specialist course in a single activity.

Sports Coaching holidays offer specialist courses in a single activity such as football, basketball, tennis, cricket or golf.

Outdoor adventure holidays may involve one or more challenging activities such as abseiling, climbing, orienteering or zip wire. Centres offering this type of course may also offer watersports.

Creative arts holiday courses may involve arts & crafts, pottery, sculpture, etc.

Performing arts holiday courses may offer specialist or multi activity courses in activities such as dance, drama, mime, singing or behind the scenes stagecraft.

Computer / Technology courses may be specialist courses or part of a multi activity programme including activities such as computer games, web design, programming, design and technical production skills.

Horse riding holiday courses are available at specialist riding centres offering full or half day courses in riding and stable management.

Watersports centres offer holiday courses in single activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing or windsurfing as well as multi watersports courses offering taster sessions in a range of activities.

What location is best for you and your child?

Most camps offer a variety of locations. Check our listing in this issue and see our website www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk for a selection of camps.

What age group would be best?

Do you want your child mixing with a variety of ages? Would you prefer they were all roughly the same age? Check with the camp provider to see how the children attending are grouped – by age? by ability? by interest?

Lastly always see if you can talk to other kids and parents who have been on the camp, as always, the best form of testimonial is from those who have done it before you!....

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

July – August 2012

Summer Clubs

Summer Workshops and Holiday Clubs Please mention Families Hereford and Worcester magazine when booking

COOKERY Red Hen, Worcester Cookery holiday workshops for children aged 4-12 yrs.

Tel 01905 422997 www.redhencookery.co.uk

ARTS Reactive Designs, Bromsgrove Childrens Holiday Workshops, textiles/print classes.

Mon/Tue/Wed in July and August 10 -12.30 £15 per child.

Booking essential at Studio 5c Canalside Craft Centre, Hanbury Rd,Bromsgrove, B60 4JZ Tel 07949 582031 www.reactivedesigns.co.uk Worcester Arts The Worcester Arts Workshop at 21 Sansome Street, Worcester is a vibrant city centre arts hub offering a variety of exciting activities for the summer holidays. Aimed at children between 5 and 16 years old, they provide a safe, friendly and supportive environment where children can be creative, have fun and meet new friends.

Also offering courses, exhibitions, theatre, music, film and the colourful Cafe Bliss.

Tel 01905 25053 www.worcesterarts workshop.org.uk

July – August 2012

DANCE, DRAMA AND MUSIC Artrix, Bromsgrove Family Fun Festival every Friday in August inc Drama Workshops, puppet show, Glee, puppet making and animation workshops, face painting, magic show, Mad Science show and workshop. Many activities are free. Tel 01527 577330 www.artrix.co.uk

Children are supervised at all times by qualified PE teachers and FA coaches.

Insurance and First Aid. Premier fun is an established fun football coaching scheme which encourages fair play, sportsmanship and discipline.

Fun for boys and girls aged 5 – 13 years.

All abilities welcome.

PRINCE HENRYS HIGH SCHOOL EVESHAM Mon 6th August – Fri 10th August 2012 OLDBURY PARK SCHOOL ST JOHNS, WORCESTER Mon 30th July – 3rd August (week 1) Mon 6th August – Fri 10th August (week 2) Tel: 01905 731515 / 07843 584835 Email: premierfunsoccer@hotmail.co.uk www.premierfunsoccer.com

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

13

Summer Clubs

Spill by DanceXchange, Dancefest, Dancescape and Dudley Performing Arts will be touring parks in the West Midlands this summer. Photo Irven Lewis. www.dancexchange.org.uk/spill

Please mention Families Hereford and Worcester magazine when booking.

To advertise in future issues, please contact editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk or tel 01386 791422.

BHS Qualified Instructor Pony Parties School Holiday Pony Days All Weather Surface Jumping Paddock Hack Track Fully licenced and insured Children from aged 4 years www.MalvernRidingSchool.co Call Us: 07766 853668

Freeze special family connections with photography ▼ Place and time to suit you ▼ Relaxed, fun, memorable experience ▼ Password protected online album ▼ Buy top quality, affordable prints at your leisure ▼ Bumps to families (including pets!)

Putting YOU in the picture Call Jessy now on 01905 795407 to book www.jessography.co.uk

Party Ponies

www.partyponies.co.uk

Our sweet natured ponies will bring smiles to the faces of the children at your party.

Pony rides at your event will provide the children with memories of happiness and enjoyment, laughter and fun.

Call Tracey on 01527 574199 or email tmaustin@hotmail.co.uk

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Dancefest, Ross on Wye, Tenbury and Worcester Summer dance classes in Hereford and Worcester.

Ross on Wye 8-9 August at Tudorville and District Community Centre Ross-on-Wye for children aged 4-7 and 8-14 yrs. Learn exciting new dance moves and perform for family and friends at the end of the week. For primary school age children Tenbury 6-7 August at The Pump Rooms, Tenbury for children aged 4-7 and 8-14 yrs.

Worcester 24-26 July at The Angel Centre, Worcester. Three fun filled days of dance for 5-7 yrs, 8-11s and 12+.

Play movement games, learn sequences and create movement around a theme.

Participants will work to create a short piece to perform on the final day for friends and family.

01905 611199 www.dancefest.co.uk Malvern Theatres, Malvern A variety of Musical Theatre, drama, and graffiti art courses for children aged 8 +.

Tel 01684 580943 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Music & Theatre Experience, Droitwich and Worcester Rule, Brittania!

A performing arts course for children aged 8 to 18 at RGS Worcester.

Monday 30th July - Friday 3rd August daily 9am – 3.30 pm. Performances Saturday 4th August at 4.30pm and 7pm.

Going for Gold!

A performing arts course for children aged 5 to 7 at RGS Worcester.

Monday 30th July – Friday 3rd August daily 9am – 4pm. Performance Friday 3rd August 3.30pm Skool & Crossbones A performing arts course for children aged 7 to 18 at Norbury Theatre, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa. Monday 6th to Friday 10th August 9am till 4pm daily.

Performance Friday 10th August 7pm Tel 07787 346633 www.mtexperience.co.uk Number 8, Pershore A variety of arts, drama, music and theatre workshops. 01386 555488 www.number8.org.uk

July – August 2012

Summer Clubs

Stagecoach, Kidderminster A 5 day drama workshop for children aged 6-17 yrs to perform a show based on ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’.

All children have speaking parts, songs and dances to learn.

Held between 13-17 August.

Tel 01562 66194 www.stagecoach.co.uk/ kidderminster The Courtyard Theatre, Hereford A variety of themed workshops running during the summer holidays inc stage combat, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, fairy tales, Harry Potter.

Tel 01432 340555 www.courtyard.org.uk Vital Statistics, Evesham and Drakes Broughton A variety of summer classes inc cheerleading, drama, musical theatre and hip hop for children 3-6 yrs and 6+.

23rd – 25th July at Wallace House Evesham, 6th – 8th August at Drakes Broughton 26th July, 2nd and 9th August at Evesham High School.

Tel 07889 496128 www.vitalstatistics theatre.co.uk

Malvern Riding School School holiday pony activities for children. Please contact centre for details. Tel 07766 853668 www.malvernridingschool.co.uk Worcester Riding School Summer camp between 8-13 August.

Tel 07889 569009 www.worcester ridingschool.com

© Museums Worcestershire

Pauline Quirke Academy, Evesham A 4 day course on how to make a movie in a week from 23rd – 26th July at the Arts Centre, Evesham for children aged 10-18 yrs. 07917 202541 www.pqacademy.com/ locations/evesham

MULTI – ACTIVITY HOLIDAY CLUBS AND WORKSHOPS Brighter Futures Holiday Clubs, Malvern and Worcester Holiday Clubs offering a wide variety of activities for children aged 3-11 years through summer holidays.

Tel 07919 357895 www.mybrighterfuture.com Malvern Special Families, Malvern and Worcester Holiday Clubs for children 5-19 yrs with special needs inc arts and crafts, sensory and messy play, soft play, music sessions, food activities, bikes/ trikes, sports, parachute games, bouncy castles, animal workshops, drumming workshops.

Tel 01684 892526 www.malvernspecial families.org.uk Phoenix Childcare, Droitwich Holiday club running through the summer hols for 4-10 yr olds. Tel 01905 793950 www.gaudet-luce.co.uk

HORSE RIDING Court Equestrian, Callow End Residential and non-residential summer camps in August.

Tel 01905 831522 www.courtequestrian.co.uk

Super Camps, Worcester and Malvern Multi-Activity Camps for children aged 4-14 in the summer holidays at schools in Worcestershire. St Mary’s, Worcester and Malvern St James, Great Malvern Tel 01235 832222 www.supercamps.co.uk

Please mention Families Hereford and Worcester magazine when booking

July – August 2012

• • • • • • • • • www.newbridgeplaybarn.com

01531 670 780 Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG

Pony Rides and Pony Parties Farm Park walk Tractor trailer rides Outdoor picnic/play area Zipwire Trampolines (indoor and out) Extended Play Barn Baby animals Hands on session

2 Apr – 27 Oct Open Mon-Sat during holidays Open Wed-Sat during term-time Closed Sundays

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Summer Clubs SPORTS FOOTBALL If you hold children’s holiday clubs/classes/ workshops in Hereford and Worcester and would like to advertise in Families Hereford and Worcester to reach 42,000 parents then please get in touch either by email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk or tel 01386 791422.

Football First, Worcester Safe, fun football coaching for boys and girls aged 4-13 years by primary school teachers. 23rd – 27th July at Whittington Primary School and 30th July – 3rd August & 6th – 10th August at RGS The Grange.

Tel 07825 772031 www.footballfirst2002.com Premier Fun Soccer, Evesham and Worcester An established fun football coaching scheme for boys and girls aged 5-13 yrs by PE teachers. 6th – 10th August at Prince Henry’s School, Evesham and 30th July – 3rd August and 6th – 10th August at Oldbury Park School, Worcester.

Tel 01905 731515 www.premierfunsoccer.com

MULTI-SPORTS D C Leisure Centres A multitude of Junior Holiday Activities for ages 2-7 and 8-13 yrs at Bewdley, Stourport and Wyre Forest Glades Kidderminster Leisure Centres. www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk Halo Leisure Varied summer holiday activities at sports centres in Hereford, Ledbury, Ross and Leominster plus a tailored programme of activities for children with disabilities 6-16 year olds. Tel 0300 012 1222 www.haloleisure.co.uk Malvern Hills Outdoor Education Centre Multi-activity courses for 8-15 yr olds inc archery, orienteering, zipwire, bushcraft and survival etc. www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ outdoors Sport Academies, Bromsgrove Multi-sport mornings and specialist afternoons for 6-13 yr olds. A team of elite coaches teach a variety of sports in the morning from water polo, judo, fencing and netball. During the afternoon, children can choose which sport they receive elite coaching in from football, cricket, tennis, rugby and hockey.

Tel 0844 335 8217 www.sportacademies.com

Summer at

Spill – A Playground of Dance: Free performances in parks in Herefordshire and Worcestershire 11-15 July Dancefest Summer Schools: 24-26 July, The Angel Centre, Worcester 5-7s, 8-11s, 12+ and 55+ 6-7 August, The Pump Rooms, Tenbury 4- 7s, 8-14s 8-9 August, Tudorville and District Community Centre, Ross on Wye 4- 7s, 8-14s

www.dancefest.co.uk 01905 611199

Holiday Special!

Girls Pamper Parties!

Age 3 + Dressing up, Nail art, Karaoke, Jewellery and magic wand making, Foot spas, Chocolate fountains and more!!

Very competitive prices.

Contact the pamper fairy to get a party tailored to you!

Spill is a Dancing for the Games project, part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympia

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Discount for week day bookings

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

www.glitzngiggles.vpweb.co.uk

07817704933

Sports Challenge, Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore Multi-sports clubs at Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore Leisure Centres.

Tel 07584 044613 www.sportschallenge.org.uk Upton Warren Outdoor Education Centre, Bromsgrove Courses include Multi-activities, Water and Land activity courses 6-15 yr olds.

Sailing, windsurfing and paddle sports courses also available. www.worcestershire.gov.uk/outdoors Zig Zag Coaching, Malvern and Worcester Multi-sports and football clubs at Sport Dyson Perrins, Malvern and Perry Wood Primary School, Worccester.

Tel 07510 990969 www.zigzagcoaching.co.uk

SWIMMING Chessgrove Swim, Hanbury Learn to swim holiday courses for children from 3 years onwards from 21st – 30th August. Tel 01527 821978 www.chessgroveswim.co.uk

TENNIS Pershore Tennis Club Fun holiday Tennis and Multi – Sports Camps indoors and outdoors for all ages and abilities (including Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Tag Rugby, Golf + much more).

Sessions for 5-11 yrs from 23rd July-30th August and 12-18 yrs every Friday of the holidays from 27th July-31st August.

Tel 01386 561903 www.pershoretennis.co.uk Tennis Hereford Summer holiday camps at Hereford Whitecross, Eardisley, Madley and Woolhope clubs for 4-16 yrs. Tel 07971 182664 www.tennishereford.co.uk Worcester Tennis Summer holiday camps at Worcester, Kempsey and Hallow Tennis Clubs from 23rd July – 24th August for 4-16 yrs.

Tel 07831 718775 www.worcestertennis.co.uk

Football First Soccer School

is run by primary school teachers and provides safe, fun holiday care for girls and boys of all abilities from 4-13 years old during all the school holidays.

We also run football parties for up to 30 children

Call now for more info Mob: 07825772031 football.first@yahoo.com www.footballfirst2002.com July – August 2012

What’s On

Please check with the venue in case details have been changed and also please note that with some venues, it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.

THEATRE Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Fantastic Mr Fox Roald Dahl’s much-loved story follows the vain attempts of three farmers to get rid of the fox who regularly steals food from their farms. Friday 17th August 7.00 pm and Saturday 18th August 2.30 and 7.00 pm £7.50, £5.00 under 16s The Pea, the bean and the enormous turnip An enchanting puppet show telling of a pea which finds a real princess, the biggest turnip in the world and a bean which runs away to make its mark!

Friday 24th August 2.00 pm £8.00, £5.00 under 16s, £20.00 family Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Frankenstein the musical (Bredon Hill Middle School) Bredon Hill Middle School summer show.

Wednesday 11th July 7.00 pm £6.00 Tickets from school office 01386 881426.

Summer Gala (EODS) A gala event featuring music, comic songs, verse and dance for all ages to enjoy. www.eods.org.uk Saturday 14th July 7.30 pm £10.00 Tickets 07954 706946 DeNovo Dance Summer Gala Sunday 15th July 6.30 pm £8.00 Tickets from 07825 155590 Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk The Terrible Topsy Turvy Tales of Malvern Theatres For children under 10 and their families who will rediscover Malvern Theatres and its natural surroundings as a fantasy forest world, using storytelling, performance and play.

Friday 17th August 11.00 am and 2.00 pm £8.00 Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org.uk Plum Festival Gala Variety Evening An evening of entertainment with music, dance and comedy to suit all ages inc the crowning of the 2012 Plum Princess. Friday 20th July 7.30pm £10.00 The selfish crocodile A funny story about a large crocodile who has a case of toothache which teaches him a valuable lesson.

Tuesday 28th August 2.30pm, £6.00, 16 & under £5.00 July – August 2012

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk The wheels on the bus Join Buster the big red bus with all of his friends on their magical adventures journeying through a song book loved by all the family. Sunday 29th July 11.00am and 1.30pm £12.00, £10.00 The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk Extravaganza 2012 A sharing of work from the talented children of Swan Youth Theatre. Friday 6th – Saturday 7th July 7.00 pm £5.00, £4.00 concessions 20 (Academy Dance) Academy Dance presents their 20th Anniversary show with dance, drama and song that will delight and amaze you. Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd July 6.00 pm and 1.00 pm Sunday £12.00, under 16s £9.00

MUSEUMS Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Various activities throughout the summer holidays.

Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821, www.museums worcestershire.org.uk Rubbish: Talking With Our Ancestors Learn how everyday objects give a voice to people from the past. A Festival of British Archaeology weekend. Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July Summer Holiday Family Fun Drop in Crafts and Games from 11.00 – 4.00pm. Have fun in the Commandery and gardens with plenty of activities for all. Monday 30th July – Friday 31st August Worcester Festival at the Commandery Enjoy concerts, ghost walks and summer family activities at The Commandery as part of Worcester Festival.

Visit www.worcesterfestival.co.uk for further details. Friday 17th August – Sunday 26th August Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY 01527 62509, www.forgemill.org.uk Various activities throughout the summer holidays.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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What’s On Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT 01905 25371, www.museums worcestershire.org.uk Exhibitions Legend! Immerse yourself in tales of dashing knights and brave princesses. Explore the history of legends and fairytales in a hands-on exhibition. Saturday 30th June – Saturday 24th November Maud and the Dragon A local legend told about a young girl who befriended a dragon. Family dragon activities. Tuesday 24th July – Saturday 22nd September Dragon Day! FREE family workshop on Saturday 21st July 11.00am – 4.00pm Activities and Events Enchanted Castles and Mythical Beasts A clay workshop with Jon ‘the potter’ Williams, make and shape castles and creatures.

Tuesday 24th July 10.30am – 12.30pm for 5 – 12 years A Fairytale Banquet The challenge is to create a 3D collage banquet to delight visitors. Come along to make blackbird pies, jelly castles and much more. Bring along your ideas and a picnic lunch and dine in style.

Wednesday 1st August 10.30am – 1.30pm for 5 – 12 years

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Enchanting Costumes Rapunzel hats, glinting armour, wizard wands and a pinch of fairy dust! Create your own fairytale costume.

Thursday 9th August 10.30am – 12.30pm for 5 – 12 years A Little Book of Mythical Creatures Join children’s illustrator Sarah Millin to create your very own special book of mythical creatures.

Thursday 16th August 10.30am – 12.30pm for 7 – 12 years Wonderland in Miniature Create a miniature wonderland for characters and creatures of your favourite legends and stories.

Wednesday 22nd August 10.30am – 12.30pm for 5 – 12 years The Dragon Whisperer is in town!

Live story performances and puppet making with Agent Green, the world’s only surviving Dragon Whisperer!

(Note not suitable for toddlers) Dragon Tales (11.00 – 11.45), A Child’s World of Story (12.00 – 12.45), Stories to Start Art (2.004.00) Saturday 1st September 6 – 12 years. Booking essential.

Please contact venue for cost.

Time Travel Crafts Travel back and forth through time with family craft activities exploring ancient and modern civilisations. Tuesdays to Fridays throughout August 10.30-4.00 Let’s Rock! Learn more about rocks, fossils and dinosaurs with experts from the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust. Make a trilobite mask, cast a fossil, design your own ancient swamp or seascape, follow the Dino Detective Trail and meet Vernon the life size Velociraptor! Bank Holiday Monday 27th August

Please check with the venue in case details have been changed and also please note that with some venues, it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.

Summer Sunday Fun Try the Valley Lawn zip wire, play traditional lawn games or walk the nature and tree trail, the Knight’s Maze, adventure playground & junior assault course, lakeside walk and Burma Bridge treetop walkway and turret slide Sunday 8th July

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www.museums worcestershire.org.uk

ATTRACTIONS Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com

Gun Dogs and Ferret racing Amazing static and flying displays from a range of beautiful birds of prey. Sunday 15th July Children’s Treasure Trail A fun treasure hunt for children around the magical grounds. Sunday 22nd – Thursday 26th July Explore the Elements – WildPlay Find out the power of mud and wind, play with fire, create and fly your own kites, then explore the castle stream to find some curious creatures! Sunday 29th July – Thursday 2nd August All the Fun of the Circus Try your hand at juggling, stilt walking, unicycles, tightrope walking, plate spinning and many other circus tricks! Sunday 5th – Thursday 9th August Roald Dahl’s The Twits A fabulous open air theatre production of The Twits by Illyria overlooking the lake, pre-booking essential.

Sunday 12th August Flying Potter Join Jon the Flying Potter from Eastnor Pottery to make some fantastic fun creations.

Sunday 12th – Thursday 16th August PlayWild with WildPlay Have fun with slime and sand, make beads from elder wood, build a den, and cook on open campfires. Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd August

July – August 2012

What’s On Animal Adventures Meet and touch the exotic animals of Tropical Inc, enjoy a pony ride, happy train ride, falconry displays, and meet the animals of Newbridge Farm Park.

Sunday 26th – Monday 27th August Hampton Court Castle & Gardens, Hope-under-Dinmore, Leominster, HR6 0PN 01568 797676, www.hamptoncourt.org.uk Various activities throughout the summer holidays.

EVENTS NCT – National Childbirth Trust 0300 3300770 www.nct.org.uk NEARLY NEW SALES Droitwich NCT Saturday 4th August 10.15 – 12.00 midday at Droitwich Leisure Centre, Briar Mill, Droitwich, WR9 0RZ Tel: 0844 243 6334 or email: nearlynewsale@yahoo.co.uk

NATIONAL TRUST 0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 HEREFORD AND LEOMINSTER KITE FESTIVAL Kite Festival showcasing some of the best sport and single line kites- bring your own kite to join in. Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd July 10.00am – 4.00pm

DEN BUILDING Put your bushcraft skills to the test with den building in the woods. Saturday 28th July 11.00am – 3.00pm Adult £10.00, Child £5.00 SUMMER GAMES TRAIL Celebrate the 2012 games with a traditional game themed trail. Complete all four trails in Herefordshire for an additional prize. 1st – 31st August 11.00am – 4.00pm £2.00 per trail BERRINGTON GAMES Step back in time with the whole family and enjoy games and competition like those at the first Much Wenlock Olympian Games. Thursday 2nd August 2.00 – 4.00pm DRAGONS, DAMSELS AND LAKE DIPPING Join in the hunt for all those ‘Ugly Bugs’ in the parkland and lake. Mondays 6th, 13th and 20th August 2.00 – 4.00pm MERMAIDS AND PIRATES Come along dressed as a Mermaid or Pirate and get FREE entry. Pirate stories and songs and lots of activities. Thursday 16th August 2.00 – 4.00pm Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 482077 MEET THE BATS Armed with a bat detector, discover more about how to spot bats and the secret world they inhabit on an evening guided walk. Saturday 7th July 8.30 – 10.30pm £5.00 adult, £2.50 child

SUMMER GAMES TRAIL Celebrate the 2012 games with a traditional game themed trail. Complete all four trails in Herefordshire for an additional prize. 1st – 31st August 11.00am –5.00pm £2.00 per trail ELIZABETHAN TIMES Step back in time with Elizabethan re-enactors for a day of courtly dancing, lively music and colourful costume.

Families can dress up, learn a dance, hear all about Tudor herbalism and make pomanders. Sunday 19th August 11.00am – 4.00pm Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood car park, between Hagley and Stourbridge, B62 0NL Tel: 01562 712822 Various activities throughout the summer holidays.

Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 THE TEMPEST An outdoor production of The Tempest. Bring the family along and have a picnic, there will be local beers, cider and ice cream available to enjoy too. Saturday 14th July 7.00 – 9.30pm Adult £10.00, Child £6.00, Family £28.00 MEET THE BATS Armed with a bat detector, head out into the parkland on an evening walk to see what bat species you can spot swooping around. Saturday 21st July 8.30-

Six eras – one fascinating building... how will you explore it?

The County Museum is a fascinating place to explore

Peel back the layers of history and unravel the secrets of one of England’s oldest buildings.

Time Travel Crafts – Fun Family Activities Tues-Fri throughout August Let’s Rock! – Discover Fossils & Dinosaurs Bank Holiday Monday 27 August Heritage Open Days – Free Entry Sat 8 & Sun 9 September

Summer events programme of family activities, games and concerts throughout August.

Worcester City Residents FREE Adults £5.50, Children £2.50, Family Ticket £13

Adults £5, Children £2.50, Families £13

10am-5pm Mon–Sat, 1.30pm-5pm Sun

10am-5pm Tue–Fri, 11am-5pm Sat, Sun & Bank Hol

Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU Tel 01905 361821

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury DY11 7XZ Tel 01299 250416

July – August 2012

10.3pm Adult £5.00, Child £2.50 SUMMER GAMES TRAIL Celebrate the 2012 games with a traditional game themed trail. Complete all four trails in Herefordshire for an additional prize. 1st – 31st August 10.00am –5.00pm £2.00 per trail UGLY BUG SAFARIS Hunt for ugly bugs alongside the NT rangers.

Look under logs, stones and learn about habitat, species and how you can help conserve the wildlife in your garden. Every Wednesday in August 2.00 – 4.00pm £3.00 PRINCES AND PRINCESSES Enjoy a weekend of family activities, royal trails and dragon hunts. Children dressed as a prince or princess get free entry. Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th August 10.00am – 5.00pm £2.00 per trail MEDIEVAL WEEKEND Bring the family along to see living history camps and re-enactments. There will be archery displays, fire drills, canons and activities in which children can get involved. Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th August 10.00am – 5.00pm THE GRIMMS FAIRYTALES The Pantaloons’ Theatre Company perform Grimms Fairytales in the beautiful grounds of Croft Castle.

Thursday 16th August 7.00 – 9.00pm Adult £12.50 Child £8.00 Family £35.00

Bring the family along for a fun day out Exhibitions this summer include: • Legend: Immerse yourself in tales of dashing knights and brave princesses • Cloud Nylon: Extraordinary jewellery made by acclaimed maker Nora Fok • Maud & the Dragon: Find out about the local legend of a young girl who befriended a dragon Alongside these exhibitions we have a host of family activities and events.

FREE Admission. 10.30am – 4.30pm Tue-Sat Foregate Street, Worcester WR1 1DT Tel: 01905 25371

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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What’s On Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ croomepark/ Various activities throughout the summer holidays.

Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 Various activities throughout the summer holidays.

The Greyfriars, Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2LZ Tel: 01905 23571 Various activities throughout the summer holidays.

The Weir Garden, Swainshill, Hereford HR4 7QF Tel: 01981 590509 SUMMER GAMES TRAIL Celebrate the 2012 games with a traditional game themed trail. Complete all four trails in Herefordshire for an additional prize. 1st – 31st August 11.00 am –5.00 pm £2.00 per trail

If you would like to feature in the What’s On Section in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine and online, please email events@herefordandworcs.co.uk

SPECIAL EVENTS, DAYS OUT AND FESTIVALS The Little Princess Trust Fun Day A fun day at Hallow Village Hall to raise funds to help children suffering hair loss by providing real hair wigs.

Lots of stalls including ‘Hair & Beauty with Kate Hindley’, ‘Baked with Sparkle,’ ‘Body Shop,’ ‘Simply Chic,’ ‘Tina Lacovelli Jewellery’ and much Feeling Fabulous 2012 more. Tel Charlotte on 07896 805339 Sue Thomas of Start Health and or visit www.yourlittlehouseelf.co.uk Wellbeing and Judith Mercer of U Look Great, bring you an afternoon Sunday 29th July 11.00am-3.00pm seminar of nutrition, styling and Droitwich Spa Music and Arts simple exercise tips at The Swan, Festival Music and Arts Festival Whittington. The aim is to help you including performing arts, music feel more toned, dress to suit your and artists exhibition at various body shape and eat the right things venues in Droitwich. Most events to ensure easy weight management. are FREE of charge.

Email sue@start2exercise.com or call 07968 292784. Booking is essential www.droitwichspa.com/2012festival.htm as only 15 places available. £20.00.

Friday 22nd June – Sunday 8th July Saturday 14th July, 2.00 – 5.00pm Kidderminster Arts Festival Three Choirs Festival The city streets, A 13 day festival including a variety of churches and pubs of Hereford will arts workshops, puppet shows, be abuzz with an extended performances, exhibitions, street programme of choirs and music, entertainment, live music and arts drama, dance, photography, film, art demonstrations. Most events are and crafts. www.3choirs.org free of charge or under £5.00 Saturday 21st – Saturday 28th July www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/kaf Craftmakersmarket is a free indoor Saturday 11th – Saturday event. 10.00am – 4.00pm at Avoncroft 25th August Arts Centre, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR. Pershore Plum Festival Sunday 5th August Lots of attractions with stalls, “SnodFest” – Upton Snodsbury Classic cars, Farmers Market, boat Music Festival SnodFest is a family trips, arts and crafts, street and friendly festival at The Park, Cowsden children entertainment.

Lane, Upton Snodsbury WR7 4NZ www.pershoreplumfestival.org.uk With over 10 hours of live music, free Saturday 25th – Monday 27th August workshops, kids entertainment, real ale and fabulous food. Money raised Upton International Music Festival will go to a charity called USPRA who Fun family music festival. See website look after the children’s play area and for details (Under 12s go FREE park. The festival will be introduced with accompanied paying adult).

by Andrew Marston from BBC www.uptonfestival.co.uk Hereford and Worcester Radio.

Friday 24th – Sunday 26th August Saturday 15th September 12 noon 10.30pm www.snodfest.com Welland Steam and Country Rally A very popular event promising Inkberrow School Fete The fete will nostalgia, sights, sounds, colour be held at Inkberrow First School, Main Road, Inkberrow WR7 4HH and and movement for every member of the family as you take a trip includes a BBQ, bar, raffle, tombola, down memory lane. bouncy castle and other stalls. www.wellandsteamrally.co.uk www.inkberrowfirst.worcs.sch.uk 20 www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Saturday 7th July from 12.00 noon Friday 27th – Sunday 29th July Worcester Festival Events, activities and fun for everyone including drama, exhibitions, film, street theatre, workshops fireworks, music festival and much more. Call 01905 611427 or see www.worcesterfestival.co.uk.

Friday 17th – Monday 27th August

July – August 2012